Europe

10 Austrian dishes to prepare or to order in a restaurant

19 Jun '23

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If you’re planning to visit Austria, you might be wondering what are some of the best dishes to try in this beautiful country. Austria is famous for its rich and hearty cuisine, influenced by its neighbors such as Germany, Hungary, Italy and Czech Republic. In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to 10 of the most popular and delicious Austrian dishes that you should not miss. Let’s get started!

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1. Wienerschnitzel

This is probably the most iconic and well-known dish of Austria, and for a good reason. Wienerschnitzel is a thin slice of veal that is breaded and fried until golden and crispy. It is usually served with a wedge of lemon, boiled potatoes with parsley, french fries or Austrian potato salad. The name means “schnitzel from Vienna”, and it is considered the national dish of Austria. You can find it in almost any restaurant or pub, but make sure it is made with veal, not pork or chicken, to get the authentic experience. [Source]

2. Brettljause

If you’re looking for a satisfying snack or a light meal, you can’t go wrong with Brettljause. This is a large wooden board loaded with various kinds of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles and bread. It is ideal for sharing with friends or family, and it goes well with a glass of beer or wine. Brettljause is a typical dish of rural areas and farmhouses, where you can enjoy the freshest and most local products. [Source]

3. Gröstl

This is a hearty dish from the state of Tyrol, which is located in the Alps. Gröstl consists of fried potatoes, onion, bacon and usually a fried egg on top. It is served in a small pan, straight from the stove. Gröstl was originally created as a way to use up leftovers from the previous day, but it has become a popular dish on its own. It is perfect for warming up after a day of skiing or hiking in the mountains. [Source]

4. Klöße

These are round dumplings made from potatoes and dried bread, mixed with eggs, pork loin, parsley and onion. They are boiled in water or broth, and served in beef soup or with sauerkraut. Klöße are a staple of Austrian cuisine, and they have many regional variations depending on the ingredients and seasonings used. They are filling and comforting, especially in winter. [Source]

5. Vanillekipferl

These are sweet, crescent-shaped cookies that are made with flour, sugar, butter, vanilla and ground nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds or walnuts. They are baked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate. Vanillekipferl are especially popular around Christmas time, when they are part of the traditional Advent calendar. They are also said to have originated in Vienna, as a way to celebrate the victory over the Turkish army in 1683 by mimicking the shape of their flag. [Source]

6. Apfelstrudel

This is another famous dessert from Austria that has spread all over the world. Apfelstrudel is a thin pastry dough that is filled with sliced apples, raisins, cinnamon, sugar and breadcrumbs. It is rolled up and baked until golden and flaky. It is usually served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Apfelstrudel is a classic example of how Austrian cuisine has been influenced by Turkish cuisine, as the pastry dough was inspired by the Turkish baklava. [Source]

7. Tafelspitz

This is a simple but elegant dish that consists of boiled beef with root vegetables such as carrots, celery and parsley root. It is served with horseradish sauce, apple sauce and bread dumplings or potatoes. Tafelspitz means “tip of the table”, and it refers to the cut of beef that is used for this dish: the tenderloin or sirloin tip. Tafelspitz was a favorite dish of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who ruled Austria-Hungary from 1848 to 1916. It is still considered a delicacy today, and you can find it in many upscale restaurants in Vienna. [Source]

8. Käsespätzle

This is a cheesy and delicious dish that is similar to macaroni and cheese, but with a twist. Käsespätzle are small, irregular-shaped noodles that are made from flour, eggs, water and salt. They are cooked in boiling water and then mixed with grated cheese, usually Emmentaler or Gruyère. They are topped with fried onions and parsley, and served in a large skillet or casserole dish. Käsespätzle are a specialty of the Vorarlberg region, which borders Switzerland and Germany. They are a popular comfort food that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. [Source]

9. Potato Gulasch

This is a hearty and spicy stew that is made with potatoes, onion, garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, tomato paste and vegetable broth. It is seasoned with salt, pepper, vinegar and sugar, and simmered until the potatoes are soft and the sauce is thick. Potato gulasch is a vegetarian version of the traditional meat gulasch, which originated in Hungary but became popular in Austria during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is a simple but satisfying dish that can be eaten with bread or rolls. [Source]

10. Sachertorte

This is a decadent chocolate cake that is filled and covered with apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze. It is usually served with whipped cream on the side. Sachertorte was invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher, a 16-year-old apprentice chef who worked for Prince Metternich in Vienna. He created the cake for a special occasion when the prince’s regular chef was ill. The cake was a huge success, and it became a signature dish of the Hotel Sacher, which was founded by Franz’s son Eduard in 1876. Sachertorte is one of the most famous cakes in the world, and you can find it in many cafes and pastry shops in Austria. [Source]

So there you have it: 10 of the most amazing dishes that you should try when you visit Austria. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, you’ll find something to suit your taste buds in this diverse and delicious cuisine. Have you tried any of these dishes before? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!